Knowing when to replace the windows on your home can save you a lot of money in the long run. Though it can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars to replace all of the windows on your home, the energy savings will eventually pay for the money spent for new windows.
When deciding if it’s time for replacement windows, consider the factors above to make the best decision.As a homeowner you know that there’s a never-ending amount of home projects and renovations that you can take on to improve your home. One home project that most people dread is replacing their windows. But, after 15 years, windows should be replaced to ensure your home is as energy-efficient and protected as possible.
While you can opt for low budget fixes such as replacing weather stripping or installing window film to minimize air drafts, the best fix is often the most expensive fix. Here’s what you need to know about when you should replace the windows on your home.
How Often Should Windows Be Replaced?
A high quality window can last anywhere between 15 to 30 years. If your windows are nearing their end of life, you will want to start budgeting to have them replaced sooner rather than later. Keeping old and worn windows in your home makes your house much less energy efficient. Old windows are prone to drafts as well as water leaks.
The good news is that most companies offer warranties on their windows, so if your windows are faulty and are still under warranty, you may be able to have them replaced at a low cost, or no cost at all! Otherwise, you will want to start saving for the full replacement windows cost, which can range in the hundreds to thousands of dollars.
At around the 15 year mark, you can expect to have to make certain repairs to the windows, including adding insulation, re-caulking, and potentially other fixes.
Knowing When Windows Need to be Replaced
Since it’s hard to know the exact age of the windows on your home, unless you personally had them replaced, there are some telltale signs you’ll want to be on the lookout for when determining if your windows need to be replaced.
Here are some telltale signs that replacement windows should be your next home project.
1. Difficulty Operating
One of the most common signs of an aging window is when it becomes extremely hard, if not impossible to open or close. When a window requires a lot of force in order for it to move, this is a good sign that it’s either getting old or the track is extremely dirty.
Look at the window track. If you notice a buildup of dirt or dust, try wiping it out with a wet cloth. If the window is still extremely hard to move, there may be an internal problem that’s causing it to be hard to operate. In any event, as windows age, they tend to lose functionality.
2. Fog or Condensation in the Window
If you have double or triple pane windows, as they start to age, you may notice fog or condensation inside of the window. This happens when moisture gets trapped between the window panes. Moisture can get trapped due to a broken seal or a small hole that isn’t noticeable.
Double-pane windows that have gas can become foggy overtime. This is a good indicator that the gas inside of the window panes has started to leak. Since this problem can’t be fixed, the best option is to replace the window entirely.
When windows become foggy, not only are they not aesthetically pleasing, your view is obstructed. This greatly impairs the usability of your home’s windows.
3. Damaged Frame or Windowpane
Sometimes window damage can be fixed by replacing the hardware, lubricating the moving parts, or adding new weather stripping to re-seal the window. However, there’s certain damage that can’t be easily fixed.
A window frame that is broken or warped should be replaced rather than repaired. Not only does a worn or damaged windowpane take away from your home’s beauty, it also compromises your home’s energy efficiency and insulation.
4. Air Drafts
Have you ever stood near a window in your home, only to feel a rush of cold or hot air? When windows are drafty, they let in a good amount of outside air. This makes your home much less energy efficient, especially on cold or hot days. Drafty windows make your HVAC system work much harder, which means you can expect high energy bills.